FOUNDER & CEO

2026 Crain's Chicago Business, Notable Leaders in Architecture, Engineering & Construction

Katie is a proven operations leader with over 10 years of experience managing large teams and solving complex operational challenges. At NOVA, Katie leads the team in managing large-scale development projects, such as the 2023 White Sox ballpark renovations and Camelback Ranch expansion in Arizona. Prior to starting NOVA, Katie led Uber’s Global Events team that managed operations at large events and venues around the globe. She is passionate about building high-performing teams to solve challenges and manage complex projects.

Katie holds a BSE in Mechanical Engineering from University of Pennsylvania and an MBA in Sports Management from George Washington University.

PROJECT MANAGER, GOVERNMENT & PUBLIC SECTOR

Caroline spent 12 years at the U.S. Department of Defense and State and as an Army officer in the U.S. Army Reserves. Her unique upbringing and varied experiences have inspired her commitment to service and her ability to form strong connections. Most recently, Caroline served at the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and she was tasked with liaising between host government interlocutors to identify common ground and areas for collaboration.

At NOVA, Caroline leads our government and public-sector work, drawing on that background to navigate contracts, compliance, and the relationships that move public projects forward.

Caroline is a University of Pennsylvania alum and received her Masters degree from National Intelligence University.

TRANSPORTATION & MOBILITY LEAD

Dalton brings over a decade of experience at the intersection of transportation, events, and urban infrastructure. At Nova, he leads transportation strategy across major development projects, delivering innovative solutions in traffic management, parking logistics, and multimodal planning for nationally recognized venues.

Prior to joining Nova, Dalton spent 8 years at Uber, where he helped scale global operations for high-impact events and transit hubs. His work focused on balancing user experience, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency — pioneering approaches that continue to influence mobility strategy today.

Dalton is known for his creative problem-solving and ability to bring structure to complex systems. He holds a degree from Arizona State University’s W. P. Carey School of Business.

PROJECT MANAGER, OPERATIONS

Courtney brings over 8 years of experience across events, logistics, and operations, with a real gift for the behind-the-scenes structure that keeps projects on track. At NOVA, she's the team's project management and process anchor, the one who turns a dozen moving pieces into a clear plan everyone can follow.

Before events, she sharpened her organizational instincts and attention to detail as a personal assistant, where she discovered a genuine passion for helping others that still shapes how she works. From logistics to client communication, Courtney makes sure every detail is handled, and she brings the kind of energy and heart that makes her the glue of the team.

PROJECT MANAGER, SPORTS & VENUES

At NOVA, Jared leads our work in sports and venue projects, with a particular love for all things baseball. He's been a key part of our work with the Chicago White Sox, bringing the operational know-how that comes from years on the ground at major events and venues.

Jared was a first-400 employee at Uber, where he spent 7 years focused on event, venue, and airport operations across the U.S. during its rapid expansion. Before Uber, he spent 8 years in event marketing producing large-scale events for Verizon, Microsoft, Samsung, and Starbucks.

An avid traveler and passionate volunteer, Jared and his wife spent 2023 visiting and volunteering in 24 countries around the world.

SPECIAL PROJECTS & PARTNERSHIPS

At NOVA, Alex is our special projects lead, focused on building our Foundation, where he leads fundraising and helps turn big ideas into real momentum.

Over the past 10 years, Alex has built a reputation for forging genuine partnerships and finding smart solutions to complex problems. At Uber, he led a team responsible for planning and executing transportation operations worldwide.

Alex holds a BS in Marketing from Florida State University and an MBA in Sports Business from the University of Oregon.

COMMUNITY & PARTNERSHIPS

Community is at the center of everything Kelly does. At NOVA, she supports community-building and partnership efforts for the Foundation and its Next Game program, connecting people and organizations to the mission of building spaces for highly motivated people at life's turning points, meeting uncertainty with curiosity and turning it into a launchpad for growth.

A DePaul University MBA graduate and former 5-year NCAA Division I softball player, she knows firsthand what it takes to perform under pressure and adapt at life’s turning points. During her 4 years at Dartmouth, she balanced a double major in Film & Media Studies and Economics with the demands of high-performance athletics—an experience that fuels her commitment to helping others navigate growth with resilience and curiosity.

BRAND & MARKETING CONSULTANT

Rachel is a seasoned brand marketing consultant and serves as NOVA’s fractional Brand & Marketing Director. She leads efforts to elevate brand awareness, shaping storytelling across platforms, and supporting the launch of NOVA’s Foundation.

With a decade of experience spanning technology, hospitality, wellness, and sustainability, Rachel partners with mission-driven organizations committed to social impact and equity. Prior to NOVA, she led partnerships and programming at Graduate Hotels and held various roles at Uber. Her recent consulting portfolio includes clients such as Cameo, Project Healthy Minds, MasterClass, Pinch MedSpa and Hey Jane.

Rachel holds a BA in Journalism from The University of Texas at Austin.